The Ministry of Health has just issued "Guidelines on periodic health check-ups for children under 24 months old" which will be applied nationwide.

The publication, compiled by leading paediatric experts, is intended to guide health workers at the grassroots level to perform periodic health check-ups in line with a common standard as well as early detect physical and mental abnormalities in children.  

According to the Maternal and Child Health Department under the Ministry of Health, health care for children is always a top priority of the Party, Government and State.

The first two years is a particularly important period, so children should receive regular health check-ups in this period to detect abnormalities early and handle them promptly. Parents also need advice on how to take care of children to help them physically and mentally develop to maximise their potential in the future.

The department said that when used properly, the document will help change the perception and working way of health workers at the commune and village levels in providing primary health care for children under 24 months old.

Canadian expert appreciates Vietnam's initiatives in ASEAN

Vietnam has made an important contribution to the operation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), through some initiatives aimed at addressing challenges and issues in the bloc, such as responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating the negotiation process for a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) or advocating the five-point consensus on Myanmar.  

This is the assessment made by Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Director of Foreign Affairs, National Security and Defence at the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute, an expert on international affairs related to security, defence and geoeconomics in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to Miller, cohesion is always mentioned in all areas in ASEAN, so Vietnam's approach to maintaining cohesion on such issues like the COC is very important. 

He also stressed the need for proactivity in ASEAN to respond to future crisis. Vietnam, especially during the pandemic, has taken significant proactive measures, he said in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of Vietnam's 28th anniversary of ASEAN membership (1995 - 2023).

The Canadian expert added that Vietnam has made important contributions to building the three pillars of the ASEAN Community namely the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

Regarding APSC, Vietnam calls for appropriate behaviour on the East Sea issue, with responses and actions from ASEAN to achieve the goal of ensuring the security and resources of the region. According to Miller, it is necessary to have a fair share and respect for international laws as well as freedom of navigation. Through its initiative, Vietnam is also trying to promote serious political dialogues in Myanmar, he noted.

On the economic pillar, Vietnam is currently part of many regional trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Vietnam's leading role is not limited to just a few of these issues, but is motivating other ASEAN members to implement certain reforms to lift their economy to a higher level, he went on.

Regarding ASCC, Miller underlined Vietnam's respect for different ethnic minority groups and different languages in the same country, saying that the way Vietnam handles harmony between ethnic groups and highlights cultural diversity is really a positive thing.

President Vo Van Thuong’s Italy visit tightens bilateral relations: Italian media

President Vo Van Thuong's State visit to Italy and visit to the Vatican from July 25-29 continue to receive wide coverage on Italian newspapers.

The AGCNews on July 29 ran an article about the tightened relations between Hanoi and Rome after the Vietnamese President’s visit.

The article emphasised that Vietnam and Italy have issued a joint statement on strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership, which reaffirms the strong relationship between the two countries and plans for future cooperation in politics, diplomacy, defense and security. 

It said during high-level talks, Italy has always affirmed its determination to promote comprehensive relations with Vietnam, considering Vietnam a priority for developing relations in Southeast Asia. Vietnam continues to be one of the ten emerging countries that Italy prioritises to develop trade and investment cooperation by 2030.

The article reviewed new steps in cooperation between the two countries, including the growing trade and investment partnership, with two-way trade turnover having doubled since 2010. Vietnam is Italy's largest trading partner among ASEAN countries while Italy is Vietnam's third largest partner among EU members.

Meanwhile, the La Voce di Alba newspaper published an article quoting MP Chiara Gribaudo, Vice President of Italian Democratic Party as saying after her meeting with President Vo Van Thuong in Rome that the new trade agreements with Vietnam - the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) - have been ratified by the Italian Parliament, which opens up new important commercial opportunities for businesses and show support for new business perspectives.

Joint efforts called for to support victims of human trafficking

The Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), the Ministry of Public Security, and Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee on July 28 held a ceremony to launch a campaign observing Vietnam's Day Against Human Trafficking and World Day Against Trafficking in Person on July 30 with the theme “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind".

The activity aims to reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to human trafficking prevention and control.

Speaking at the event, VWU President Ha Thi Nga said that human trafficking is a global problem. The number of victims of human trafficking detected globally has decreased, especially in the Asia-Pacific region but the structure of victims is changing.

In 2004, men and boys accounted for 13% and 3% respectively of the total victims. By 2020, the percentages were 23% and 17%.

In Vietnam, human traffickers make use of the Internet and social networks to lure victims with false promises like high paid jobs or marriages with rich people in other countries.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Security, in Vietnam, from the beginning of 2022 until now, the crime of human trafficking tends to increase, particularly cases relating to domestic trafficking and male victims.

From 2011 to 2020, domestic trafficking accounted for 15% of the total cases, and male victims accounted for 10%. From 2018 to the end of 2022, domestic trafficking accounted for 34%, male victims accounted for 27%. However, in 2022 and the first six months of 2023 alone, the ratios rose to over 40%.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Public Security said that in the first half of this year, the authorities received and verified information of 114 people; identified 82 people as victims of trafficking, and supported 65 victims.

He said that to improve the effectiveness of human trafficking prevention and control, it is necessary to continue to closely follow the tasks and solutions set by the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the Government, and the relevant agencies.

At the same time, authorities and localities need to focus on renovating the forms and content of communication activities to raise people's awareness about the methods and tricks of human traffickers.

Functional agencies must strengthen state management and inspections in areas that are prone to human trafficking crimes, the deputy minister said, urging authorities and localities to take synchronous solutions to prevent human trafficking, and support victims of human trafficking.

Khanh Hoa province seeks cooperation opportunities in Canada

Khanh Hoa province always welcomes and supports foreign enterprises and investors, including those from Canada, so that they can gain success in doing business in the locality, Nguyen Khac Toan, Chairman of the provincial People’s Council has said.

He made the statement at a seminar held on July 28 in Vancouver to introduce the south-central coastal province’s potential during a working visit of a delegation from Khanh Hoa. 

The event, which drew the participation of representatives of Richmond city administration, Canadian businesses who are looking forward to doing business and investing in the Southeast Asian country, is part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Canada.

At the seminar, Toan highlighted the rapid recovery of his province from the COVID-19 pandemic, elaborating that Khanh Hoa makes effective use of its strengths in tourism, services and marine economy.

He expressed his wish for a direct air route between Nha Trang city of Khanh Hoa province and Vancouver city of British Columbia province.

Vancouver is strong in tourism and marine economic development, which match Khanh Hoa's cooperation goals, the official added.

According to Vietnam-Canada Business Association’s president Dan On, the association currently has more than 700 members and many of them want to cooperate with Vietnamese partners.

Vietnam is the 10th biggest export partner of British Columbia and the biggest ASEAN trade partner of Canada.

Vietnam-Ho Chi Minh City festival held in Portugal’s Porto city

A festival is underway in Portugal’s Porto city, aiming to promote the beauty of Vietnam and its Ho Chi Minh City, and enhance economic ties between the two cities.

The event, from July 28-30, is held by the HCM City People’s Committee in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in France and Portugal, and Porto authorities.

It is the biggest trade, investment, tourism and culture promotion even launched by HCM City in Europe this year, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Duong Anh Duc said in his opening remarks, informing that HCM City and Porto have just signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing friendship and cooperation.

The festival is expected to be held annually to bring Vietnam’s southern metropolis closer to international friends, and tighten the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular with countries worldwide, including Portugal, he added.  

Porto Mayor Rui Moreira highlighted the potential for Vietnam and Portugal to intensify their cooperation, as well as their good will in strengthening the bilateral trade ties.

The official expressed his hope that the festival will contribute to consolidating the relations between Porto and Vietnamese localities, while promoting new strengths in the areas that have great economic, scientific and environmental potential.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France and Portugal Dinh Toan Thang said festival goers should use the occasion to establish new partnerships, consolidate existing relations and build long-term friendship.

The highlight of the festival was an economic cooperation forum organised by the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City, with the participation of more than 100 business representatives from HCM City, Porto and neighbouring European countries, along with Vietnamese trade counselors.

The participants looked into the business environment in the two cities, raised proposals to their leaders, and explored cooperation opportunities.

Apart from various performances by Vietnamese and Portuguese artists, the festival also introduces Vietnamese agricultural products, handicrafts, traditional costumes and folk games, and features a photo exhibition capturing HCM City’s development and integration.

Prime Minister meets voluntary blood donors

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with 100 outstanding voluntary blood donors nationwide on July 29, who are in Hanoi for a special programme honouring their good deeds. 

Speaking at the meeting, the Government leader said the 100 exemplary blood donors are beautiful symbols of humanity, compassionate love and positive energy in the communityand society. 

"You are truly living evidence and bright examples of goodness, contributing to building a compassionate community and a humane society, upholding the nation's fine traditions and inspiring others in the cause of national construction and defence," PM Chinh said.

The Party and State always create favourable conditions for blood donation, he said, citing Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s blood donation appeal in April 2020 when the COVID-19 was developing complicatedly.

The PM also lauded the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation, the Ministry of Health, the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC), the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, and ministries and agencies for their efforts and contributions to the blood donation campaign.

The drive needs a wide response from the public, he stressed, asking the health ministry, the VRC and the steering committee to review and supplement regulations for blood donors, and continue addressing obstacles to voluntary blood donation, with attention paid to its quality, safety and sustainability.

The leader suggested promoting digital transformation in this field and stepping up communications activities, expressing his hope and belief that the 100 individuals will play an active role in promoting such good deeds.

Since the establishment of the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation in 2008, more than 16 million blood units have been collected, 99% of which have come from voluntary donors.

All cities, provinces and districts have set up their own steering committees for voluntary blood donation.

This is the 15th year that the programme has been organised. Up to 1,500 blood donor have been commended over the past years.

Two captive bears rescued in southern Binh Duong province

Two Asian black bears were rescued from a household in Di An city in the southern province of Binh Duong on July 28 and are being transported to the rescue centre in Tam Dao National Park.

The bears, now named Bonnie and Clyde, were micro-chipped and kept in the family for nearly 20 years.

Binh Duong’s Sub-Department Forest Protection has been advocating for the elder owners to hand over the bears to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in northern Vinh Phuc province’s Tam Dao National Park.

Bonnie, the female bear, weighs around 150kg and suffers from multiple health problems, including abnormal signs in the gallbladder, an amputated right hind leg, and a wounded left hind leg, said senior veterinary surgeon Shaun Thomson from Animals Asia.

Meanwhile, the 120kg male bear Clyde is in slightly better health condition, although examinations show its gallbladder has a few signs of damage. The bear also experiences hair loss in the abdomen area, which might come from lying on the concrete floor in the cage for too long, according to the animal expert.

Bears have often been held captive in Vietnam for their bile, which is thought to have healing effects according to traditional medicine. This practice has been illegal since 2005.

The operation has brought the total number of bears rescued in Binh Duong province to 48, and by Animals Asia to 264.

Big opportunities for Vietnam-Egypt economic, trade ties: Deputy FM

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang’s visit to Egypt from July 25-27 has been a success, with significant, substantial and comprehensive outcomes, opening up a new period in bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc.

During an interview recently granted to Vietnam News Agency in Cairo, Ngoc said in terms of politics, the visit was a practical activity marking the 60th anniversary of Vietnam-Egypt diplomatic ties, contributing to consolidating traditional and trustworthy friendship with Egypt, a leading partner of Vietnam in the Middle East and North Africa. High-ranking Egyptian leaders met and held talks with Deputy PM Quang.

It could be said that the visit has created a strong driving force for comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Egypt, he said.

According to him, both sides reached consensus on a range of important measures to lift two-way trade to 1 billion USD from around 600 million USD last year.

They agreed to create favourable conditions for each other's major export items, promote cooperation on Halal products, and establish the Vietnam-Egypt Business Council in the coming time. They will organise the sixth meeting of the Vietnam-Egypt Joint Committee while strengthening financial-monetary and locality-to-locality collaboration.

The capital cities of Hanoi and Cairo signed a friendship and cooperation agreement while another between the State Bank of Vietnam and the Central Bank of Egypt was also inked.

Notably, the Vietnamese official held the first-ever high-level meeting with leaders of the Arab League (AL) headquartered in Cairo, marking a significant milestone contributing to more effective and substantial cooperation between Vietnam and the AL and its 22 member countries which have a population of 500 million and a total GDP of over 7 trillion USD, he said, adding that the two countries’ leaders support and share political determination to lift bilateral ties to a greater height.

According to Ngoc, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said both sides are exploring the possibility of starting negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and Egypt, and the next step could be an investment protection agreement between the two countries.

The two sides have offered mutual support at multilateral forums and stepped up cooperation between ASEAN and the AL. In this regard, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed an agreement with the AL Secretariat to boost collaboration in areas of shared interest, he added.

Binh Thuan ramps up efforts against IUU fishing

The steering committee for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing prevention of the south-central province of Binh Thuan met on July 28 to review efforts against IUU fishing over the past time, and set forth measures for the time ahead.

Departments, agencies and coastal localities in Binh Thuan have drastically rolled out tasks and solutions to materialise the EC’s recommendations, aiming to have its “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood lifted, heard the meeting.

According to Nguyen Van Chien, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the department has coordinated with relevant agencies in deploying six inspection delegations to monitor the performance of units, localities and businesses so far this year.

Besides, the steering committee has also sent a working group to the five southern provinces where Binh Thuan fishing boats are operating to encourage fishermen to observe relevant regulations and hold meetings with local authorities in this regard.  

The fishery sub-department and border guards also coordinated in organising more than 200 meetings with over 22,000 fishermen to raise their awareness of IUU fishing combat.

As of July 28, up to 99.7% of fishing boats in Binh Thuan were equipped with the vessel monitoring system (VMS).

The steering committee expressed its resolve to prevent local fishing boats and fishermen from infringing upon foreign waters, and make preparations for the fourth inspection by the EC, slated for October.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Hong Hai asked agencies and localities to complete the VMS installation for fishing boats measuring from above 15 metres in length, and facilitate their registration within August.

ASEAN Consortium for Innovation and Research forum held in Da Nang

The Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) and the University of Da Nang (UD) held the ASEAN Consortium for Innovation and Research (ACIR) forum in the central city of Da Nang on July 28.

The event aimed to promote innovation and scientific research within the framework of the 12th National Conference on Information Technology and its Applications (CITA 2023).

Its discussions focused on creating a platform for sustainable and effective networking and development of the leadership and scholars' community of Southeast Asian universities, conducting research on innovative activities, proposing and carrying out joint international projects and fostering educational collaboration.

At the event, a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the first 7 member units of ACIR was also held.

On the occasion, the VKU and the UD signed a MoU on bilateral cooperation with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi of Thailand to launch training programmes and student exchanges.

NA Chairman hails labourers’ contributions to national development

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hailed efforts and resolve by labourers as well as their willingness to join hands with the Government and the State in national construction and development while addressing a labourers’ forum in Hanoi on July 28.

The chief legislator called on trade union members and labourers to contribute more opinions on policy building and enforcement, stressing the NA, its Standing Committee, leaders and agencies are ready to listen to them.

He also lauded the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) for its performance in policy building and law enforcement monitoring, as well as in trade union activities, thus better protecting interests and rights of employees.

The NA leader asked all-level trade unions to discuss and decide on major matters regarding legitimate, legal rights and interests of labourers, and reform their operations.

Chairman Hue expressed his hope that trade union members and labourers will continue well materialising the Party’s guidelines, and the State’s policies and laws, improve their knowledge and professional skills, and give more opinions on Party and administration building, and the fight against corruption and other negative phenomena.

At the forum, the NA Chairman presented gifts to outstanding trade union members and disadvantaged labourers, and launched the National Worker’s Football Championship, to be co-organised by the VGCL, Tuoi tre (Youth) Newspaper and the Vietnam Football Federation from September to November.

The participants looked into a report collecting more than 4,600 opinions regarding 45 major issues.

Representatives from relevant agencies cleared up questions raised by 21 trade unions members and labourers.

Party disciplinary measures imposed on former officials of Thanh Hoa

The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 28 imposed disciplinary measures on the Standing Boards of the Party Committee of Thanh Hoa in the 2010-2015 and 2015-2020 tenures, and a number of the central province’s former leaders for violating the Party’s regulations and State laws.

The individuals included Mai Van Ninh, former member of the Party Central Committee, former deputy head of the Standing Board of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, former Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, former Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, former Secretary of the Party delegation to and former Chairman of the provincial People’s Council; Trinh Van Chien, former member of the Party Central Committee, former Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, and former Secretary of the Party delegation to and former Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, and former Secretary of the Party delegation to and former Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee.

Disciplinary measures were also imposed on Nguyen Dinh Xung, former Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party delegation to and former Chairman of the provincial People's Committee; Le Thi Thin, former member of the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, former member of the Party delegation to and former Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee; Trinh Huu Hung, former member of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Director of the provincial Health Department; Hoang Sy Binh, former member of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Director of the provincial Health Department; Hoang Van Hung, former member of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment.

Nguyen Thanh Tri, former member of the Lai Chau provincial Party Committee, member of the provincial Party Committee's Inspection Commission and chief inspector of Lai Chau was also in the list.

After considering the punishment proposals of the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission, the Politburo and Secretariat concluded that the Standing Boards of the Thanh Hoa’s Party Committee in the 2010-2015 and 2015-2020 tenures violated the principle of democratic centralism, the Party’s regulations and the State’s laws; working regulations in directing the granting of investment policies and approval of the planning schemes and planning adjustments for a number of land-use projects of FLC Group as well as approval and implementation of public investment projects under the Smart City scheme; in managing and using land and carrying out the Hac Thanh Tower project; in personnel work; and in directing the declaration of properties and incomes.

They showed a lack of responsibility in management, direction, inspection and supervision, enabling the Party delegations to the provincial People’s Council and the provincial People’s Committee as well as many organisations and individuals to violate the Party’s regulations and State laws.

Their violations caused serious consequences that are difficult to be fixed, as well as huge losses and risks of huge losses to the State budget, leading to the launch of criminal procedures against many officials and Party members, causing public anger and harming the prestige of the Party organisation and local administration.

Ninh showed a lack of responsibility in management, direction, inspection and supervision, violated regulations on things that Party members are not allowed to do and the responsibility for setting example.

Chien and Xung displayed degradation in political ideology, morality and lifestyle; violated the principle of democratic centralism, the Party’s regulations and the State’s laws, and regulations on things that Party members are not allowed to do and their responsibility for setting example.

Thin, Quyen, Huu Hung, Binh and Van Hung violated the principle of democratic centralism, the Party’s regulations and the State’s laws, and regulations on things that Party members are not allowed to do.

Meanwhile, Tri showed degradation in political ideology, morality and lifestyle; received bribes; letting his subordinates to take bribes; violating Party regulations and State laws on prevention and combat of corruption and negative phenomena, regulations on things that Party members are not allowed to do and his responsibility for setting example.

Their violations caused serious consequences and big losses to the State budget, triggering public anger and damaging the prestige of the Party organisations and local administrations.

Considering the nature, level, and consequences of the violations, and based on Party regulations, the Politburo and Secretariat decided to give a warning to the Standing Boards of the Thanh Hoa’s Party Committee in the 2010-2015 and 2015-2020 tenures as well as Mai Van Ninh. They also proposed the Party Central Committee impose a disciplinary measure on Trinh Van Chien.

The Secretariat also decided to dismiss Nguyen Dinh Xung, Le Thi Thin, Pham Dang Quyen, Trinh Huu Hung, Hoang Sy Binh, Hoang Van Hung from all of their Party positions, and expel Nguyen Thanh Tri from the Party.

It asked competent agencies to deliver administrative punishments on the above individuals in sync with the Party disciplinary measures.

Vietnam, Japan step up labour, employment cooperation

Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan has proposed Japan’s Wakayama prefecture pay more attention to vocational training and welfare of Vietnamese guest workers living there.

At a working session in Hanoi on July 28 with Governor of Wakayama prefecture Kishimoto Shuhei, Hoan welcomed his guest's visit which takes place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year.

Hoan said there were about 345,000 Vietnamese workers living and working in Japan as of late December 2022, including 200,000 skilled apprentices, 78,000 workers with specific skills, and 65,000 engineers, interpreters, and others.

In the first half of this year, Vietnam sent more than 72,000 guest workers abroad, including over 35,000 to Japan alone.

Hoan suggested the Governor and Japanese firms consider additional measures to increase the number of Vietnamese skilled apprentices and workers coming to Japan for employment.

Kishimoto, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) for working closely with Wakayama to launch activities over the past years.

The Japanese Government is striving to improve the working environment for foreign labourers, including those from Vietnam, he said, adding that during this visit, he had a chance to interact with Vietnamese students. Wakayama prefecture, in particular, and Japan as a whole, are aiming to welcome this high-quality workforce.

Later, Hoan witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in basic legal framework between the MoLISA’s Department of Overseas Labour Management and Wakayama prefecture regarding the reception of Vietnamese workers for employment in Japan.

Due to the shortage of workforce, Wakayama has advocated enhancing training and reception of Vietnamese apprentices and workers with specific skills, and engineers for internships and employment in Japan.

Wakayama is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan, comprising 9 cities, with its capital being Wakayama city. It is strong in agriculture and fisheries, attracting a considerable number of foreign apprentices each year.

Last year, the total number of foreign workers in Wakayama was 3,390; 1,178 of them were Vietnamese workers, accounting for 34% of the total.

Top legislator chairs labourers' forum to gather opinions

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue chaired a labourers' forum in Hanoi on July 28, which brought together about 500 trade union officials and members, and labourers.

The event was jointly held by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the NA Office on the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the Vietnam Trade Union.

In his remarks, the chief legislator stressed that people and businesses are put at the centre in all decisions and policies adopted by the NA, and that labourers are subject to the nation's labour laws.
 
He called the forum a special meeting with voters, during which leaders listen to opinions of trade union officials and members, and labourers.

Hue asked the participants to focus on proposals regarding jobs, livelihoods and incomes of employees, as well as the improvement of the legal system, especially laws directly relating to workers and public servants such as the Land Law, the Housing Law and the Law on Social Insurance, among others.

He asked the NA's Council for Ethnic Minority Affairs and other NA committees, along with relevant ministries and agencies to clear up questions raised by trade union members and labourers.

According to VGCL President Nguyen Dinh Khang, the confederation collected 1,589 opinions of trade union members and labourers from reports by 79 trade unions of cities, provinces and corporations, and more than 3,000 opinions from press agencies and trade unions through social networks.

They discussed issues relating to housing, social insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and one-time insurance withdrawal, and wage increases, he said, noting that VGCL divided the opinions into 45 major groups to be sent to the legislature for consideration.

Khang noted that trade union members and labourers nationwide hope that their opinions will be put under consideration by NA leaders at this forum to build relevant laws and policies.

Vietnam currently has 11 million trade union members and more than 50 million labourers.

Construction of Vietnam-Japan friendship house begins in Long An

Construction of a Vietnam-Japan friendship house began in the southern province of Long An on July 28, as part of activities marking the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

As part of the integrated Waterpoint urban area, the house covers a total area of nearly 7,000 sq.m. The project is designed to include various functional zones such as a cultural house, restaurants, an exhibition area, and miniature landscapes representing the cultural characteristics of Vietnam and Japan.

This project not only caters for people of Long An province and over 30,000 families the Waterpoint urban area in particular but also serves as a cultural exchange hub and a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

Following the ground-breaking ceremony, a heritage forest planting ceremony was held in Central Park subdivision within the urban area. The heritage forest covers 20,000 sq.m and simulates natural forests with hundreds of green trees and numerous open spaces designed to encourage outdoor activities and community engagement.

At the event, Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ono Masuo pledged to further push forward economic, socio-cultural ties between Japanese localities and Long An as well as southern provinces.

On the occasion, the provincial People's Committee opened a two-day photo exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, showcasing images of local foreign activities with various Japanese localities and traditional products from Vietnam and Japanese firms.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between Long An province and B&Company Vietnam to boost bilateral trade and investment between Long An and various Japanese localities, organisations and businesses.

Embassy's representatives visit families of fallen soldiers in Germany

Representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany and the Vietnam Veterans' Association in Berlin-Brandenburg on July 27 visited three families of fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the homeland’s liberation and peace on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of Vietnam War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27).

The three families live in Berlin, and they include Hoang Thi Hue, whose husband Tran Ngoc Hung gave his life in 1972, and Chu Thi Dai, whose father was fallen soldier Chu Duc Can. The third family was of Nguyen Thi Lan, whose father Nguyen Khac Hien and elder brother Nguyen Khac Kiem sacrificed during their respective missions in the Quang Tri battlefield in 1972 and the Lao Cai frontline in 1980.

On behalf of the Embassy, Minister-Counsellor Chu Tuan Duc conveyed warm regards to the families, affirming that the Fatherland and Vietnamese people are forever grateful to the heroic martyrs and the wounded and sick soldiers, who devoted their youth and lives to the nation for national independence and freedom.

Representatives of the families were deeply moved and shared many emotional memories about the fallen soldiers as well as the process of searching for and the repatriation of their remains.

Work begins on Laos-Vietnam bilanguage school

Construction of a dormitory building started on the Laos-Vietnam bilanguage school in Oudomxay province, Laos, on July 28.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung highlighted the significance of the work in promoting the Vietnamese culture in Laos while contributing to the teaching of the Vietnamese language among the Vietnamese community, especially young generations in the locality as well as Lao people who want to study the language.

For his part, Oudomxay governor Bounkhong Lachiemphon said the school is a symbol of cooperation between the province and Vietnam in general and with the Vietnamese community in Laos in particular.

With an investment of  6.7 billion LAK (308,000 USD), once operational, the school will become a place to provide Vietnamese language classes for overseas Vietnamese and Laos in the province and northern area, helping them pursuit their higher education in Vietnam or for other purposes.

President’s State visit opening new era of cooperation: Italian press

Various major Italian newspapers on July 27 and 28 continued to spotlight President Vo Van Thuong’s State visit to the European nation.

The La voce d'italia newspaper reported that at his meeting with his guest, Italian President Sergio Mattarella emphasised that there is not only political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries but also solidarity. Mattarella also announced his intention to establish an Italy cultural institute in Hanoi to enhance cooperation, especially in science and technology, between the sides’ research centres and universities and to expand their exchanges of students and researchers.

According to the article, the focus of the meeting between the two was to reinvigorate close cooperation. They also exchanged two agreements signed during the visit – the Vietnam-Italy treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the cultural cooperation programme.

Also highlighting the talks, an article published by the Notizie Geopolitiche newspaper called the first official meeting between the heads of state of the two countries in seven years as a basis to promote the nations’ political trust and strengthen strategic partnership.

It also noted the agreement of the two leaders on the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing unpredictable, complex, and unstable developments that may occur regionally and globally as well as serious global issues that are increasingly impacting the international community.

The article highlighted that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership via joint works in traditional fields and new areas such as digital transformation, green growth, and climate change response. They agreed to work together to ensure prosperity and inclusive development for the countries, contributing to promoting peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world on the basis of respecting the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.

The two also pledged to strengthen the exchange of viewpoints, cooperation, and mutual support at international and regional forums, especially within the framework of the UN and ASEAN-EU mechanisms, said the article.

Meanwhile, an article on the countries’ agreements and plans for the future posted on the website Thewatcherpost.it listed areas in which Italy and Vietnam are enhancing cooperation, including the 4th industrial revolution, space, ecological and energy transition, and artistic heritage preservation. It quoted President Mattarella's statement that describes the level of the bilateral relationship as excellent from all points of view across politics, economy, and culture, and assessed that for Italy, Vietnam is a key partner in the ASEAN region.

Tiền Giang develops aquaculture

Tiền Giang Province is promoting aquaculture by teaching farmers breeding techniques and encouraging them to use advanced techniques using intensive methods.

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province has expanded breeding models adapted to climate change in economically disadvantaged areas on the Gò Công coast, Tháp Mười (Plain of Reeds) and flood-prone localities.

The localities have established concentrated aquaculture areas for shrimp-rice farming in Tân Phú Đông District, hi-tech shrimp breeding on the Gò Công coast and cage aquaculture in the Tiền River in Mỹ Tho City and other upstream districts.

The upstream districts have converted nearly 300ha of unproductive rice fields into aquaculture farms, mostly for producing aquatic seeds.

They supply juveniles to other provinces and cities in the South.

Freshwater aquaculture, including in cages in rivers, in the upstream districts offers higher profits to farmers than rice, and is adapted to climate change.

The province has 1,161 cages to breed various fish species in the Tiền River, a tributary of the Mekong.

Mostly in Mỹ Tho City and the districts of Châu Thành, Cái Bè and Cai Lậy, they are used to breed red tilapia and other high-value species such as basa, carp and white pomfret.

They produce around 10,500 tonnes of fish annually.

Thới Sơn island commune in the Tiền River in Mỹ Tho City has cage aquaculture and fruit orchards in combination with tourism services.

Nguyễn Văn Phong, secretary of the Thới Sơn Party Committee, said the commune has 585 cages.

Huỳnh Văn Nhàn breeds red tilapia in 11 cages here and earns VNĐ330 million (US$12,700) a year from them.

He has a steady income thanks to aquaculture, he said.

The price of red tilapia has increased sharply this year, and this has encouraged farmers to invest more in intensive breeding and improve output and quality to meet market requirements, according to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Coastal districts like Tân Phú Đông and Gò Công Đông has expanded aquaculture to adapt to climate change and create jobs for locals.

Gò Công Đông has a 2,200ha concentrated clam breeding area where tourists are also hosted.

It also has 362ha of white-legged shrimp farms in coastal communes.

It harvested 12,200 tonnes of aquatic species farmed in brackish water and saltwater farms in the first half of the year.

The conversion of unproductive rice fields into aquaculture farms has helped many households escape poverty and lead stable lives.

Gò Công Đông was the province’s first district in which all communes were recognised as new-style under the country’s programme to develop new-style rural areas.

Tiền Giang has 13,100ha of aquaculture farms which yielded nearly 94,000 tonnes in the first half of the year, up 16.5 per cent year-on-year, according to the department.

It plans to increase the area to 14,700ha and harvest more than 364,000 tonnes this year, it added. 

Hiring demand plunges in first half

Despite expectations of a recovery, the labour and employment market in Việt Nam in the first half of this year did not see much improvement, according to a report of the payroll, recruitment and human outsourcing agency Adecco Vietnam.

Overall hiring demand decreased by more than 30 per cent in the first six months compared to the same period last year when the economy resumed after the impact of the pandemic.

Some sectors, such as consumer finance, real estate and retail, have experienced significant declines in recruitment. Other sectors, such as pharmaceutical, healthcare and technical sales, saw more resilient demand for skilled professionals.

As domestic and international economies still inherit many potential risks, enterprises are gearing towards promoting lean personnel structures, focusing on recruiting replacement positions, and adopting a more selective approach to filling vacancies rather than expanding to new positions.

Although the number of vacancies of IT companies decreased by 35 per cent in the first half compared to the same period last year, the requirement for IT skills is gradually becoming more common in businesses of most fields.

Companies are increasingly looking for professionals with expertise in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital development, and data analytics to meet their transformation needs.

A significant drop in sales orders in industrial manufacturing led to a big lay-off in the labour force, especially in the electronics and semiconductor, textile, furniture, and chemical industries, said Trương Thiên Kim, associate director of permanent recruitment services at Adecco Vietnam.

As factories have been leaning towards digitalisation, automation and zero-carbonisation policies, there is a shift in labour requirements, with a decreasing demand for low-skilled and repetitive manual labour. Instead, they increasingly seek workers with expertise in robotics, process automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies, she said.

Regarding the retail industry, due to the shift in consumer buying preferences, many businesses focus on optimising their online presence, leading to a reduction in hiring for traditional in-store positions.

While the marketing and communications industry still maintains stable demand, traditional forms of media are seeing a decrease in job opportunities. Instead, positions related to digital marketing, search engine optimisation, search engine marketing, social media, content creation, and data analysis are highly sought-after by employers.

The recovering market has facilitated the stability in recruitment demand in finance and banking. Highly sought-after positions are related to finance, accounting, risk management and investment analysis. Moreover, the emergence of fintech companies has created more job opportunities in this sector.

The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to see a sustained demand for healthcare professionals in light of the Government’s goal of improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing consumer demand.

This field seeks professionals in a variety of roles, including physicians, brand managers and medical information specialists. Applying technology to upgrade the medical examination and treatment experience is also a trend that affects the industry’s hiring requirements.

Meanwhile, the construction and real estate industries have not shown any signs of recovery with very low recruitment demand.

Nguyễn Hoàng Thanh Chương, head of permanent recruitment services at Adecco Vietnam, predicts that the labour market in the second half of this year will continue to face many difficulties and has not seen any positive signs from employers.

Several industries are expected to drive the job market, such as technology, healthcare, e-commerce, renewable energy and digital services, with increasing demand for skilled professionals.

“Open positions for expat are decreasing sharply, and mainly focus only on important functions in the early stages of the investment plan. The role of expat vacancies is mainly to train and transfer technology and domestic candidates with high professional skills will be prioritised by businesses to take on these transfers,” he said.

Technological transformation is taking place in various industries and is expected to continue to thrive in the second half of this year.

Job seekers need to accelerate updating their skills in digital technology and utilising the application of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and automation into their current field to seize opportunities in a turbulent period with most strategies geared towards technology reform and cost optimisation.

New approaches provided to foster skills, develop international standard labour

The kitchen training programme by DSS Education & Immigration and Australian MD College is expected to help Vietnamese trainees and workers improve their skills and thus get the opportunities to study and work in Australia, according to the HCM City Vocational Education Association.

DSS Education & Immigration and MD College co-organised the launching ceremony of the Australian kitchen training room and the opening of the second hot kitchen class at the southern office of the Ministry of Education and Training in HCM City on July 26.

Speaking at the event, deputy head of the HCM City Vocational Education Association’s International Cooperation Department and CEO of DSS Education Daisy Nguyễn said the establishment of the Australian kitchen training room would be an essential start to improve the quality of the vocational training programme.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, this will not only be a place for students to practise and improve skills but also help them get used to the professional environment when transitioning to Australia,” she said.

Through the vocational training programme, MD College and DSS Education want Vietnamese students and workers to improve their skills and access job opportunities and long-term settlement opportunities in Australia.

In addition, with the training of a skilled workforce, the programme will contribute to solving the serious labour shortage in Australia.

Throughout its 25-year journey of development, DSS Education Group specialise in providing full services for migrant workers in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Photo book on former Côn Đảo prisoners released

A photo book about the lives of former Côn Đảo political prisoners has been published by the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House.

The work, Tử Tù, Cựu Tù Côn Đảo Ngày Trở Lại (Returning to Côn Đảo - Memoirs of ex-death-row prisoners and ex-prisoners), was created by veteran photographer Nguyễn Á of HCM City.

It celebrates the 76th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

The book offers readers a review of the heroic time of the loyal revolutionary soldiers in Côn Đảo Prison, once dubbed “Hell on Earth", located on Côn Đảo Island off the coast of the southern province of Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu.

Its pictures portray 39 former political prisoners coming from HCM City, Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu who were imprisoned by the enemies, but always maintained their revolutionary spirit.

The photos were captured during artist Á’s five-day trip together with the former prisoners to Côn Đảo.

Each work is evocative and brings the revolutionary soldiers and patriots to life.

“Through my photo book, I hope readers, particularly youngsters, will be educated and promote the revolutionary spirit and patriotism,” said Á, adding that all of his photos show his deep respect for the great losses and sacrifices of former political prisoners.

Á is already well-known for his collections on soldiers and people living on the Trường Sa (Spratly) Archipelago.

He has captured many photos on several UNESCO-recognised heritage sites in Việt Nam, some of which have won top prizes at local and international photo contests and festivals.

He holds the EFIAP title granted by the International Federation of Photographic Art for excellent photographers.

He has released 19 photo books on different themes. 

Exhibition showcases art works by artists from HCM City, An Giang

Around 33 artists from HCM City and the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang are showcasing their paintings and sculptures at the Museum of An Giang in Long Xuyên City.

The exhibition is organised by the city Fine Arts Association and the province’s Literature and Art Association to mark the 135th birthday anniversary of President Tôn Đức Thắng, whose home village is in An Giang.

The showcase includes 47 paintings and sculptures, featuring a wide range of topics such as the beauty of the country, lifestyle, climate change and environmental protection.

All the works are made of different materials including oil, lacquer, wood, stone, iron, copper, and mixed media. They feature surrealist, abstract, semi-abstract, and impressionistic styles.

Bùi Quang Vinh, chairman of An Giang’s Literature and Art Association, said, “Both associations spent three months preparing and choosing high-quality paintings and sculptures for the showcase. The works reflect the artists’ feelings and points of view on life.”

In the framework of the exhibition, the HCM City Fine Arts Association gifted a portrait sculpture of President Tôn Đức Thắng, created by its chairman Nguyễn Xuân Tiên, to the Museum of An Giang Province.

The exhibition is open daily until July 31.

Ethnic festival educates forest conservation awareness

According to Trần Đình Tiến, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Lai Châu City, the festival aims to preserve and promote the beautiful traditional cultural identity of the ethnic group, thereby building solidarity among different communities and improving the quality of cultural life in the area.

For the Giáy ethnic minority in the northern province of Lai Châu, the Forest Deity is considered the most sacred one, protecting their village. A festival has been held twice a year to express their gratitude to the Forest Deity on the third and the sixth lunar month.

In the Giáy language, the name of the festival, Háu Đoong, means going into the forest to worship the Forest Deity. Within the festival, they conduct rituals to pray for a prosperous harvest, favourable weather conditions, healthy livestock, and freedom from epidemics. They also pray for the well-being of their people, the continued development of their economy, and happy and fulfilling households.

The forest worship ceremony is held under an old giant tree near a stream in the forest of Nậm Lỏong 1 Village, Quyết Thắng Ward. This is a communal sacred forest that is strictly protected by the villagers. The worship offerings include one pig and five chickens. The shaman's chanting echoes throughout the forest, inviting the deities to come and witness the ceremony, hoping for their blessings towards the village and its people. After the ceremony, a communal meal is served, and the villagers will have two or three days off work.

According to Trần Đình Tiến, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Lai Châu City, the festival aims to preserve and promote the beautiful traditional cultural identity of the ethnic group, thereby building solidarity among different communities and improving the quality of cultural life in the area.

During the festival, the Giáy people wear traditional costumes and join in various folk games and competitions such as pounding sticky rice cakes.

"We have been taught by our predecessors about the unique cultures, including rituals and traditional costumes, of our ethnic group, which we will try our best to uphold and promote,” said 15-year-old Vàng Thị Bằng Lăng from Quyết Thắng Ward.

“The Háu Đoong Festival not only holds spiritual significance, but also affirms the role and position of our close-knit, harmonious community, who respect and protect nature, and consider the forest as part of our life,” she added.

The Giáy people, also known as Pú Giáy or Hún Giáy, are scattered throughout Lai Châu Province, with a population of around 14,000 people. They are known for their skills in weaving, embroidery, and creating traditional clothing, as well as for their agricultural practices, which include rice cultivation, corn farming, and raising livestock. In Lai Châu City, the Giáy ethnic group mainly resides in Quyết Thắng Ward and San Thàng Commune.

Renowned musician Tôn Thất Lập passes away, 81

The music community is mourning the loss of talented musician Tôn Thất Lập, who passed away at the age of 81 in Hồ Chí Minh City on the morning of July 26.

The news was confirmed by a representative from the Ho Chi Minh City Music Association. The composer of the song “Sing for My People” breathed his last breath at Military Hospital 175 after undergoing a period of treatment. Tôn Thất Lập was a prominent figure in the music industry and was widely known for his contributions to the movement “Sing for my compatriots” (Hát cho đồng bào tôi).

Born on February 25, 1942, in Huế, Tôn Thất Lập dedicated his life to music, composing songs that resonated with the struggles and aspirations of the people. Some of his notable works included  “Sing for My People” (Hát cho dân tôi nghe) and the choir piece “Rice Rings all over the Plain” (Lúa reo trên khắp đồng bằng).

Tôn Thất Lập’s talent was recognised early on, and he pursued formal training in composing at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music. In 1974, he moved to France and had his works published by the Association of Students Composing Abroad. His collection, "Birds from the Red Fire" (Những cánh chim từ vùng lửa đỏ), received critical acclaim.

Throughout his career, Tôn Thất Lập held esteemed positions, such as vice president of the Ho Chi Minh City Music Association and vice president of the Vietnam Musicians Association. He also served as the editor-in-chief of Vietnam Music Magazine.

The late musician was known for his ability to craft not only revolutionary and socially relevant songs but also love songs. Even during peacetime, he continued to create beautiful melodies, including "Spring Love Song" (Tình ca mùa xuân), "Youth Love Song" (Tình ca tuổi trẻ), and "Whispering Rain" (Mưa thì thầm). For Tôn Thất Lập, creativity was a means of self-liberation, and he always sought to explore new avenues in his work.

Tôn Thất Lập’s contributions were not limited to composing songs; he also dabbled in dance music and the film industry. His talent was honoured with the 2nd State Prize for Literature and Art in 2007.

In remembrance of the late musician, the Ho Chi Minh City Music Association, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Sports, has organised a program titled "Tôn Thất Lập - Singing Forever" at the HCMC Opera House on August 5, 2023.

The funeral ceremony to pay respects to the late musician will be held from 9am on July 28 to 29 at the Southern National Funeral Home in HCM City. The memorial ceremony will take place at 6am on July 30, followed by his burial at a cemetery in the city. 

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes